Early Links
Early Links is a registered NDIS allied health charity delivering speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and physiotherapy to 1,780+ clients across NSW's Hunter Region and Central Coast via 90+ clinicians across four offices, in-community settings, and telehealth.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersMaitland, Australia
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Early Links does
Early Links is a registered charity and NDIS-registered allied health provider headquartered in New South Wales, Australia. The organisation delivers early intervention and therapeutic services — including speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and physiotherapy — to NDIS participants, Medicare-funded patients, and private fee-paying clients across the Hunter Region and Central Coast. As of the latest reporting, Early Links employs more than 90 allied health professionals (including 20+ speech pathologists) and serves upwards of 1,780 active clients.
Service delivery is multi-modal: clients are seen across four physical offices, in their homes or schools, in community settings, and via telehealth. The portfolio spans paediatric early intervention (the historical core), an adult speech pathology stream launched after the 2023 merger, and group-based programs such as LEGO therapy and Kid Gym. Pricing is published at A$193.99 per hour for private services, with parallel NDIS and Medicare bulk-billing pathways.
The business model is a fee-for-service, clinician-delivered model funded through four channels: NDIS plan-managed and agency-managed participants, Medicare (including bulk-billed allied health sessions), private health insurance rebates, and out-of-pocket self-pay. The 2023 merger with ConnectAbility extended the catchment into the Central Coast, and a Clinical Lead appointment in 2025 signals continued organisational investment in governance ahead of further scale. As a registered charity, surplus is reinvested into service delivery rather than distributed.
Early Links firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Early Links
- Legal name
- Early Links
- Website
- https://earlylinks.org.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Early Links is a registered NDIS allied health charity delivering speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and physiotherapy to 1,780+ clients across NSW's Hunter Region and Central Coast via 90+ clinicians across four offices, in-community settings, and telehealth.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Early Links industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Allied Health and Disability Support Services
- NAICS
- Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110)
- SIC
- Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special Needs Early Intervention & Preschool Programs (EDAKAAAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB), Speech & Language Therapy (Early Intervention) (EDACAFAB), Physical Therapy (Early Intervention) (EDACAFAD), Autism & Neurodevelopmental Early Intervention Programs (EDACAFAF)
Keywords
Where Early Links is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Maitland
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices4 records
Markets served
Early Links business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- NDIS-Funded Services: Early Links is a registered NDIS provider delivering services funded under NDIS plans. Supports include therapy services, support work, plan management, and behaviour support funded through participants' NDIS plans.
- Medicare Rebates: Services such as psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy can be accessed via Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Plans referred by a GP, allowing clients to claim rebates.
- Private Health Insurance: Clients with private health insurance can claim rebates for therapy services such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy, and dietetics at their fund's discretion.
- Private Pay / Self-Funded: All services can be accessed on a full-fee private-pay basis. Early Links also offers one-off autism assessments at a flat fee of $2,800.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Standard hourly therapy rate |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Autism Assessment |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Early Links product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Early Links is a registered charity and NDIS provider delivering an interdisciplinary suite of allied health therapy, early intervention, and disability support services to people of all ages across the Hunter Region and Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Core offerings span speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, behaviour support, dietetics, music therapy, art therapy, play therapy, early intervention teaching, comprehensive autism assessments, NDIS plan management, support work, and structured group programs, delivered at clinics, in homes, in schools, in community settings, and via telehealth.
Product overview
Early Links is a registered charity and NDIS provider offering a comprehensive suite of allied health and early intervention services. The organisation provides therapy services (Dietitians, Early Intervention Teachers, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Behaviour Support, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Play Therapy, Psychology, Speech Pathology, and Autism Assessments), support services (Youth Engagement Support Workers and Plan Management), and group programs (Early Links Playgroup, LEGO-Based Therapy, Kid Gym, Cooking Groups, Dance Group, and Messy Magic). Services are delivered across four clinic locations in the Hunter Region (Maitland, Ashtonfield, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook) and can also be provided in clients' homes, schools, and community settings. In 2023, Early Links merged with ConnectAbility to form a unified organisation supporting over 1,780 people throughout the Hunter and Central Coast communities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Occupational Therapy AHPRA-registered occupational therapists help people with disabilities and additional needs develop and improve skills needed for daily living and learning, focusing on self-care, fine and gross motor skills, play, regulation, executive function, sensory processing, and visual perceptual skills. Delivered at clinics, in homes, in schools, and in community settings for NDIS participants and private clients across the Hunter Region.
- Speech Pathology Speech Pathology Australia-registered speech pathologists assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing difficulties including early communication, AAC, literacy, paediatric feeding, speech sounds, and autism assessments. The team of 20+ speech pathologists and allied health assistants is the largest in the Hunter Region and serves both children and adults.
- Physiotherapy AHPRA-registered paediatric physiotherapists with APAMALTA registration provide comprehensive assessments and targeted interventions addressing motor delays, musculoskeletal conditions, neurological disorders, and developmental disabilities. Led by an APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist, services are available to NDIS participants and private clients across the Hunter Region.
- Psychology AHPRA-registered psychologists provide trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming mental health support including assessment for autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, cognition, and developmental domains, with interventions such as CBT, ACT, and neurofeedback therapy. Available to children, teens, and adults across the Hunter Region.
- Dietetics Accredited Practising Dietitians provide evidence-based, personalised nutrition counselling supporting people with disabilities across the lifespan, including meal planning, enteral feeding, chronic disease management, feeding therapy, and sensory food behaviours. Services are available via telehealth, at clinics, and in clients' homes.
- Behaviour Support NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission-registered practitioners provide trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming behaviour support including functional behaviour assessments, behaviour support plans, and liaison with other professionals to decrease behaviours of concern for NDIS participants.
- Music Therapy Registered Music Therapists with AMTA registration facilitate interactive musical experiences to help people achieve goals in communication, cognition, physical function, mood, wellbeing, and spiritual areas through preferred music, improvisation, instrument playing, and song writing.
- Art Therapy ANZACATA-registered art therapists use visual art equipment such as clay, paints, digital art, and mask making to help people safely explore, interpret, and express emotions, providing evidence-based strategies for those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
- Play Therapy APPTA-registered play therapist uses evidence-based, developmentally appropriate techniques to support children's emotional, social, and cognitive development through child-led play therapy, family (filial) therapy, and directed play therapy.
- Early Intervention Teaching NESA-registered teachers support children aged 0-9 years with developmental delays or disabilities to actively participate in natural environments through play-based learning and integration of therapeutic strategies into daily routines at home, in childcare, and in early childhood settings.
- Autism Assessments Comprehensive autism assessments completed collaboratively by a qualified psychologist and speech pathologist using evidence-based tools, standardised measures, observations, and guided conversations to build a clear picture of communication, social interaction, and everyday functioning. Offered at a one-off flat fee of $2,800.
- Plan Management NDIS plan management service that handles financial paperwork, processes invoices, maximises funding, provides access to both NDIS and non-NDIS registered providers, and delivers clear budget reports to help NDIS participants focus on their goals. Contactable via [email protected] and 0459 195 515.
- Youth Engagement and Developmental Support Workers Support workers help children, teens, and adults living with a disability and/or additional needs to live independently and achieve their goals, assisting in day-to-day lives with tasks such as attending appointments, community participation, meal preparation, housework, and providing emotional support.
- Early Links Playgroup Free, supported, inclusive playgroup held on Thursday mornings during school terms at Maitland Presbyterian Church, offering indoor and outdoor play including pretend play, sensory experiences, art and craft, and messy play for children aged 0-7 with additional needs support.
- LEGO-Based Therapy Evidence-informed, play-based, child-led social communication program using LEGO building to help develop social communication skills whilst remaining true to individual neurotypes.
- Kid Gym Movement-focused group targeting gross motor skills including balance, coordination, core stability, and muscle endurance through stretching, breathing, yoga principles, and acro-style activities.
- Cooking Groups Ashtonfield and Kurri Kurri cooking groups developing basic meal preparation and language skills, fine and gross motor skills, life skills including planning, sequencing, following recipes, social skills, and kitchen safety.
- Dance Group School holiday dance group led by a qualified Speech Pathologist and Allied Health Assistant, focusing on social connection, communication, emotional regulation, gross motor skill development, coordination, balance, and confidence through movement and creativity.
- Messy Magic Sensory playgroup led by a play therapist and occupational therapist featuring hands-on sensory experiences including take-home creations, sensory circuits with four stations, and group guessing games for children who love to explore and create through play.
Companies that use Early Links
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Early Links technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Early Links partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- ConnectAbilitycoreIn 2023, Early Links merged with ConnectAbility, a leading NSW-based not-for-profit organisation promoting inclusion and connection for people with disabilities since 1992. This milestone brings together more than 70 years of combined experience in high-quality, person-centred disability, family and community support. The merged entity supports more than 1,780 people of all ages throughout the Hunter and Central Coast communities, sharing values of relationships, excellence, strength, passion, experience, community and trust. ConnectAbility now encompasses Early Links under its unified brand.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Early Links competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Ability Options: NSW-based NDIS provider delivering disability employment, accommodation, and support services. Comparable in regional NSW presence and NDIS service delivery model.
- ConnectAbility: Parent organisation of Early Links since the 2023 merger. ConnectAbility is a NSW-based not-for-profit providing disability, family, and community support services since 1992. Directly comparable in mission, NDIS provider status, and regional NSW service area.
- Northcott: Major NSW-based NDIS provider delivering therapy, accommodation, and support services to people with disabilities. Comparable in service breadth (allied health, early intervention, NDIS plan management) and NSW operating footprint.
- Multicap: Queensland-based NDIS provider offering therapy, accommodation, and community participation supports. Comparable in allied health therapy services for people with disabilities and NDIS-registered provider model.
- Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia): Large Australian autism-specific NDIS provider offering autism assessments, early intervention, therapy, and school programs. Comparable to Early Links in autism assessment services, NDIS funding model, and multidisciplinary therapy approach.
- Cerebral Palsy Alliance: Established NSW disability and therapy provider offering early intervention, allied health, and assistive technology. Comparable in multidisciplinary early intervention and therapy services for children with disabilities; operates in Sydney and regional NSW.
- Achieve Australia: NSW-based NDIS provider offering accommodation, therapy, and community participation for people with disabilities. Comparable in regional NSW operations, multidisciplinary therapy teams, and registered charity status.
Broad incumbents
- House with No Steps (now Ability@Work): Long-established Australian NDIS provider offering disability support, therapy, and employment services. Operates as Heritage Care Australia; comparable in mission, NDIS provider status, and therapy services for disabilities.
- Life Without Barriers: One of Australia's largest NDIS and community services providers, delivering disability, child protection, and aged care nationally. Comparable in NDIS provider status and broad therapy/support offering, though substantially larger and more diversified.
- Aruma: Large national NDIS provider offering disability accommodation, supported independent living, and therapy services. Comparable in NDIS-funded services and therapy delivery, with broader geographic and service footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Early Links social profiles
Digital presenceEarly Links financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Early Links leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Early Links funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Early Links M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Early Links
What does Early Links do?
Early Links is a registered charity and NDIS provider delivering an interdisciplinary suite of allied health therapy, early intervention, and disability support services to people of all ages across the Hunter Region and Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Core offerings span speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, behaviour support, dietetics, music therapy, art therapy, play therapy, early intervention teaching, comprehensive autism assessments, NDIS plan management, support work, and structured group programs, delivered at clinics, in homes, in schools, in community settings, and via telehealth.
Is Early Links a public or private company?
Early Links is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Early Links founded?
Early Links was founded in 1984. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Early Links based?
Early Links is headquartered in Maitland, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Early Links make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. NDIS-Funded Services are the primary driver. The others are medicare Rebates, private Health Insurance and private Pay / Self-Funded.
Who are Early Links's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Ability Options, ConnectAbility, Northcott, Multicap, Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Achieve Australia. Broad incumbents are House with No Steps (now Ability@Work), Life Without Barriers and Aruma.
Does Early Links have an API?
No public API is recorded for Early Links.
What industry is Early Links in?
Early Links's product category is Allied Health and Disability Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKAAAE, Special Needs Early Intervention & Preschool Programs, with a secondary code of EDAKAKAB, Autism Early Intervention (Educational). Its NAICS code is 621340 and its SIC code is 8000.